Beverage container carrier

ABSTRACT

A carrier for beverage containers that fits like a saddle over a handle having a predetermined length and thickness, and having an opening with a predetermined length and height. The carrier has opposing first and second saddle panels joined along a foldable hinge line. Each saddle panel is fastened to a beverage holder having at least one beverage opening. A slot extends along the hinge line and has a narrow width along opposing ends, and a larger width along an intermediate portion between the ends of the slot. The slot has a length sized to receive the handle, with the length of the intermediate slot being about twice the height of the opening in the handle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/359,959, filed Feb. 27, 2002, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a beverage container carrier that is portable, stackable, easily erectable, sturdy, and aesthetically appealing wherein the container has promotional indicia either attached or printed on the carrier.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In the operation of fast-food carryout at restaurants, stadiums, arenas and other facilities, a number of selected items of beverages are frequently carried by the patrons. If more than one or two items are to be carried, some type of carrier is typically provided for the patron's convenience. Such a carrier should be inexpensive, readily transportable, compactly stored, and quickly and easily loaded, all without compromising the ability to safely and conveniently carry a number of liquid filled containers.

[0004] Food and beverage container carriers are known that are made of foldable material, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,127, which discloses a base having a handle that cooperates with a beverage carrier. Unfortunately, the handle is uncomfortable in that it comprises two thicknesses of paperboard which can make it uncomfortable to carry when the carrier is loaded with large and full beverage containers. There is thus a need for a way to provide a more comfortable carrying beverage container. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved beverage carrier that is stable, while still being stackable, sturdy, easy to erect, and that has additional promotional features on the carrier.

SUMMARY

[0005] If the handle is formed by joining two thicknesses of paperboard to form a planar handle with an opening for a user's fingers, then a perforated covering can be formed over that opening with perforations on opposing ends and the bottom of the opening. During use, a user can tear the perforations and push the cover through the opening and bend it up over the handle portion above the opening. That provides a covering over the otherwise cut edges of the opening to cushion the handle grip and to provide a thicker handle each of which makes the handle easier to grip. But that perforated cover unbends when released so that it extends laterally from the handle. That makes it difficult to insert the carrier over the handle, and it makes it difficult to remove the carrier. The carrier can jam and spill drinks, or tear the carrier or the handle, either of which can cause further problems.

[0006] A larger slot in the carrier is provided in order to avoid catching on this partially deformed cover. But the larger slot allows the carrier to shift an unacceptable amount on the base and handle during carrying. The larger slot also presents difficulty in placing the carrier on the handle and its base and can lead to misalignment and damage to the carrier. A smaller slot is superimposed over the larger slot in order to center the handle in the smaller slot. This results in a slot with at least two different widths, for at least two different purposes.

[0007] A carrier for beverage containers is thus provided that fits like a saddle over a base having a handle. The carrier includes a sheet having an opposing first and second saddle panel joined along a foldable hinge line. A first series of panels is fastened to the first sheet and forms a first support having upper and lower panels connected by an end panel. At least one beverage opening is formed in the upper and lower panels of the first support and the openings are aligned to receive the same beverage container during use of the carrier. A second series of panels is fastened to the second sheet and forms a second support having upper and lower panels connected by an end panel. At least one beverage opening is formed in the upper and lower panels of the second support and the openings are again aligned to receive the same beverage container during use of the carrier.

[0008] A slot extends along a major length of the hinge line and has opposing ends. The slot has a narrower width at the opposing ends of the slot and a wider width along an intermediate portion between the ends of the slot. The slot has a length sized to receive the handle during use of the carrier. Preferably, but optionally, the ends of the slot have a width about the same as a thickness of the handle at the location of the ends of the slot during use. The end of the slot can thus be slightly smaller than, the same size as, or slightly larger than the thickness of the handle when it is inserted into the ends of the slot during use.

[0009] Preferably, but optionally, the ends of the slot have a first substantially uniform width that extends for a predetermined distance along the length of the slot. Further, the intermediate portion also preferably, but optionally, has a second substantially uniform width. Preferably, the ends of the slot have a first substantially uniform width about the same as a thickness of the handle that is inserted through the ends of the slot during use of the carrier.

[0010] Advantageously, but optionally, the handle takes the form of a planar handle having a width and a thickness. An opening of a predetermined length and height is formed in the handle to allow a user to insert a hand through the opening in the handle during use of the handle. Advantageously, the intermediate portion of the slot extends for a predetermined length that is slightly longer than the length of the opening in the handle. Moreover, the ends of the slots are preferably located relative to the intermediate portion to align the intermediate portion with the opening of the handle during use of the carrier. Advantageously, the intermediate slot has a width that is about twice the height of the opening in the handle. That allows a perforated covering of the opening to be forced through the opening and used to strengthen the handle, while the slot is sized to fit over that perforated portion after it is used to strengthen the handle. Preferably, the intermediate slot has a width that is less than twice the height of the opening in the handle.

[0011] The carrier is also improved, such that preferably, but optionally, the opening in the upper panel of the first support is larger than the opening in the lower panel. Moreover, the saddle panels, and preferably the supports, bear printed promotional indicia. At least one of the end panels has at least one promotional card which is perforated around a periphery of the card to make the card detachable. The card preferably, but optionally contains printed promotional indicia thereon. The promotional card further preferably has a thumb tab to facilitate removal of the promotional card. Moreover, the carrier is preferably made of paperboard and is collapsible to a generally folded configuration.

[0012] The saddle carrier is preferably sold for use with the base. The base preferably, but optionally has a planar handle with a substantially uniform width and thickness, and with the opening described above. The intermediate portion of the slot extends for a predetermined length that is slightly longer than the length of the opening in the handle. Preferably, the ends of the slots are located relative to the intermediate portion to align the intermediate portion with the opening when the handle passes through the slot.

[0013] In a further embodiment, a carrier is provided for use with a base having a handle of predetermined width and thickness, where the handle has an opening with a predetermined length generally parallel to the container and having a height generally perpendicular to the base and through which a user's fingers can extend to hold the handle. The carrier includes a first saddle panel connected to a first support having a first opening therein and located on a first side of the base. The carrier also includes a second saddle panel having a second support having a second opening therein and located on an opposing, second side of the base. The saddle panels are joined to each other along a foldable hinge line. A slot extends along a length of the hinge line to receive the handle during use of the carrier.

[0014] The slot has a length sufficient to allow passage of the handle through the slot without damaging the carrier. The slot has at least a first width at opposing ends of the slot selected to position the handle relative to the slot and carrier, and a second width located intermediate the first widths and selected to allow unimpeded passage of the handle through the second slot. Preferably the second width is about twice the height of the opening in the handle and the first width is about the thickness of the handle. Moreover, the ends of the slot can comprise slits to grippingly, but releasably, engage the handle as it passes through the slits.

[0015] Advantageously, the second slot has a length slightly greater than the length of the opening in the handle. Further, the first and second slots each preferably have a substantially uniform width along their respective lengths and wherein there are only two slots. In this, and other embodiments, there is advantageously provided a promotional card removably fastened to the carrier. The promotional card is advantageously removably fastened to at least one of the supports. Further, a thumb tab preferably extends from the promotional card to facilitate removal of the promotional card.

[0016] In a still further embodiment of this carrier, the slot comprises means for positioning the carrier relative to the handle during use of the carrier, and for allowing unimpeded placement of the carrier on the handle and removal of the carrier from the handle. Moreover, there are advantageously provided means for removably placing promotional indicia on at least one of the supports.

[0017] The carrier may also be collapsible to a folded configuration. To make it easier to collapse the carrier, it is preferably formed from a single blank of material, such as paperboard or corrugated paper. The carrier has a saddle having a slot for receiving a handle and two supports on opposing sides of the saddle. The blank has a width and a length. The blank comprising twelve panels and at least eleven fold lines. The twelve panels and corresponding fold lines are listed sequentially beginning from a first distal end of the blank.

[0018] A first panel defines a first glue flange that has a free edge forming the first distal end of the blank. The first panel has an interior edge extending across the width of the blank to form a first fold line.

[0019] A second panel defines a first side panel of the support of the carrier. The second panel shares the first fold line with the first panel and has a second fold line opposite thereto.

[0020] A third panel defines a lower panel of the support of the handle and has at least one beverage opening therein sized to receive a beverage container. The third panel shares the second fold line with the second panel and has a third fold line opposite thereto.

[0021] A fourth panel defines a second side panel of the support of the carrier. The fourth panel shares the third fold line with the third panel and has a fourth fold line opposite thereto.

[0022] A fifth panel defines an upper panel of the support of the carrier and has a corresponding number of beverage openings on the third panel. Each beverage opening located on the upper panel and the lower panel is in alignment such that each of the upper panel and lower panel beverage openings receive one beverage container. The fifth panel is spaced from the third panel by the second panel and the fourth panel. The fifth panel shares the fourth fold line with the fourth panel and has a fifth fold line opposite thereto.

[0023] A sixth panel shares the fifth fold line with the fifth panel and has a sixth fold line opposite thereto.

[0024] A seventh panel shares the sixth fold line with the sixth panel and has a seventh fold line opposite thereto. The sixth and seventh panel defines a saddle. The saddle has a slot for receiving a handle.

[0025] An eighth panel defines an upper panel of the support of the carrier and has at least one beverage opening to receive a beverage container. The eighth panel shares the seventh fold line with the seventh panel and has an eighth fold line opposite thereto.

[0026] A ninth panel defines a side panel. The ninth panel shares the eighth fold line with the eighth panel.

[0027] A tenth panel defines a lower panel of the support of the carrier and has a corresponding number of beverage opening(s) on the eighth panel therein sized to receive a beverage container. Each lower panel beverage opening is located in alignment with a corresponding upper panel beverage opening. The tenth panel shares the ninth fold line with the ninth panel and has a tenth fold line opposite thereto.

[0028] An eleventh panel defines a side panel. The eleventh panel and the ninth panel spaces the tenth panel and the eighth panel parallel to one another. The eleventh panel shares the tenth fold line with the tenth panel and has an eleventh fold line opposite thereto.

[0029] A twelfth panel defines a second glue flange having a free edge forming the second distal end of the blank. The twelfth panel shares the eleventh fold line with the eleventh panel.

[0030] The blank can have a detachable promotional card on at least one of the side panels. The promotional card is formed by perforating a periphery on the side panel. At least one set of the third and fourth, or eighth and ninth fold line have a portion of the fold line perforated to further define the detachable promotional card. The promotional card can have a thumb tab to facilitate removal of the promotional card.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] These as well as other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and wherein:

[0032]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a beverage container carrier;

[0033]FIG. 2a is a side view of the beverage container carrier of FIG. 1;

[0034]FIG. 2b is a top plan view of the beverage container carrier of FIG. 1;

[0035]FIG. 2c is a side view of a further embodiment of the beverage container carrier of FIG. 1;

[0036]FIG. 3 is a cut out view of a slot depicting a slot where the midpoint of the slot is wider than the distal ends of the slot;

[0037]FIG. 4 is a cut out view of a slot depicting a slot where the distal ends are slit;

[0038]FIG. 5 is a top view of a blank for forming a beverage container carrier of FIG. 1;

[0039]FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a base and carrier of FIG. 1;

[0040]FIG. 7 is a top plan view of FIG. 6;

[0041]FIG. 8 is a right, end view of FIG. 6,

[0042]FIG. 9 is a side view of FIG. 6;

[0043]FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a further embodiment of the carrier of FIG. 1;

[0044]FIGS. 12a-12 e are sectional views taken along 12-12 of FIG. 10; and.

[0045]FIG. 13 is a top view of a blank for forming a beverage container carrier of FIG. 2c.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 1, and 6-9, a carrier 10 is shown for carrying beverage containers and conveying promotional indicia. The carrier 10 has a saddle 12 that includes a first support 14 and a second support 114 on opposing sides of the saddle 12 and configured to hold beverages or other items. The supports 14, 114 are connected by first and second saddle panels 18, 118, which fold along a hinge line 22. A slot 24 having opposing ends 25 extends along portion of the hinge line. The slot 24 is configured to receive a handle 16 of a food container 70.

[0047] The food container forming base 70 can take various forms. It is shown has having a box-like shape with a bottom surrounded by two opposing side walls 72 and two opposing end walls 74. The side walls are joined to the end walls and cooperate with the bottom to form an open container. A lid 76 is placed on that container, and the lid is formed of a number of inclined flaps. Thus, two, opposing side flaps 78 are each joined to the top of one of the side walls 72, and two opposing end flaps 80 are each joined to the top of one of the end walls 74. At least one of the side flaps 78 has the handle 16 joined to a top portion of side flap. The side flaps abut each other at an inclined angle relative to the bottom of the food container or base 70, which bottom can rest on the ground, a table, a stadium floor, etc. The end flaps 80 rest against the side flaps 78 at an inclined angle, and preferably have a slot that engages a projection on each side flap in order to lock the side flaps together and form a more sturdy container 70.

[0048] During use of the carrier 10, the handle 16 passes through the slot 24 so the saddle panels 18, 118 of the carrier 10 rest against inclined and opposing side flaps 78 of the food container or base 70. The length of the supports 14, 114 advantageously, but optionally, correspond to the length of the side flaps 78, so that the supports 14, 114 that depend from the ends of saddle panels 18, 118 rest alongside and against the side walls 72 of the food container or base 70. Thus, the saddle panels 18, 118 and side flaps 78 forming lid 76 of the food container or base 70.

[0049] The saddle 12 has fold line 22 preferably located at an apex where first saddle panel 18 joins a second saddle panel 118, with the apex preferably coinciding with the apex of inclined side flaps 78 of food container or base 70. The slot 24 coincides with and extends along the apex and fold line 22, so that the handle 16 can be inserted into the slot 24.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2b, the slot 24 has opposing ends 25 that are not as wide as an intervening portion 27 of the slot 24. This wider intervening portion 28 helps the user to insert the handle 16 into the wider and longer mid point of the slot 24 yet maintain a snug fit at the opposing ends 25 of the slot 24 in order to center an align the carrier 10 relative to the handle 16. The slot 24 may be made wider at the midpoint by a step configuration as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2b, in which the ends 25 have a narrower first width that extends for a short, predetermined distance corresponding to the length of the end 25, and then the slot 24 jumps to a wider, uniform width for the intervening portion 27 of the slot 24.

[0051] Preferably, the ends 25 of the slot 24 are selected to have a width that corresponds to the thickness of the handle 16 that passes through the slot. When the saddle panels 18, 118 fold at fold line 22, the actual width of the slot ends 25 will decrease as the panels 18, 118 in which the slot 24 is formed, bend toward each other. That effective narrowing of the slot ends 25 provides a frictional engagement with the handle 16. The width of slot ends 25 could be made smaller than the corresponding thickness of the handle 16, but then the material forming the slot ends 25 will be deformed, and because the material is usually a paperboard or corrugated paper material, the material cannot tolerate much deformation without tearing. Advantageously, the slot ends 25 are sized to just pass the handle 16, or slightly grip the handle but not enough to prevent the handle 16 from being withdrawn from the slot ends 25 and slot 24. The slot ends 25 are preferably not as wide as the intervening portion 27, because the wider slot would allow the handle 13 to twist within the carrier 10, and the wider slot would allow misalignment by which the fold line 22 could be offset from the middle of the slot 24 in a way that causes the saddle panels 18, 118 to be non-symmetrically placed on the underlying food container or base 70. A slot end 25 having an undeformed width of about ¼ inch to accommodate a handle 16 having a thickness of about ⅛ inches (two abutting sheets) is believed suitable.

[0052] The width of the intervening portion 27 is selected to allow easy passage of the carrier 10 and slot 24 over the handle 16. The handle 16 is preferably, but optionally formed by abutting two planar sheets of material. An opening 82 is formed in handle 16 preferably by folding and gluing two sheets of material together, with the opening 82 cut out of one sheet but only perforated on two ends and the bottom of the opening 82 on the other sheet. The user pushes the perforated portion 83 through the cut-out opening 82 and bends it upward to provide a three layer thick grip for the user's hand. The perforated portion 83 covers the cut edge forming the opening 82 and cushions the user's fingers that extend through the opening 82 to grip the handle. When the perforated portion 83 is forced through the opening 82, it is bent upward parallel to the planar surface of the handle 16. When released, the perforated portion 83 does not lay flat, but sticks laterally away from the handle 16. That outward projecting portion 83 can catch on the carrier 12 and cause problems. The wider, intermediate portion 27 of slot 24 allows the carrier 10 to pass over this portion 83 of the handle 16 when the carrier 10 is placed onto, and taken off of, the handle 16.

[0053] Thus, the opening 82 has a maximum length generally parallel to the base 70 and has a height generally perpendicular to the base. The length parallel to the base 70 is also preferably parallel to the hinge line 22. The intermediate portion 27 of the slot 24 is preferably slightly longer than the length of the opening 82 and thus is slightly longer than this perforated portion 83. That avoids catching the perforated portion 83 on the edges of the slot 24 when the carrier 12 is placed onto and removed from the handle 16. Likewise, the handle 16 has a predetermined width and the length of the slot 24 is selected to position the intermediate portion 27 of the slot so that it correctly aligns with the perforated portion 83. If the ends 25 of the slot 24 are spaced apart so th at the handle 16 can move along the length of the slot 24, then the length of the intermediate portion 27 will have to be adjusted to allow such movement without catching on the perforated portion 83.

[0054] The precise dimensions will vary with the configuration of the handle 16, opening 82 and perforated portion 83. But preferably the width of the intermediate portion 27 of slot 24 is about twice the height of the opening 82. Advantageously, the width is slightly less, but sufficient to avoid catching on the perforated portion 83 as it projects through the opening 82. The bending of the saddle panels 18, 118 about hinge line 22 will alter the effective width of slot 24, and that should be taken in to account in configuring the slot. The slot 24 is preferably symmetric, as the carrier 12 can be oriented in either of two directions as it is placed on the handle 16. Thus, the ends 25 of the slot 24 have a first, substantially uniform width, and the intermediate portion 27 of slot 24 has a substantially uniform width. The slot 24 is also preferably symmetrically located about the middle of the hinge line 22 in order to provide the maximum strength of the saddle panels 18, 118. An undeformed width of intermediate slot 27 of about ⅝ inch, and preferably ⅜ inch, is believed suitable, but the precise size will vary.

[0055] The slot 24 preferably has a length long enough to accommodate handle 16 without tearing the material in which the slot 24 is made. It is desirable to make the slot 24 as short as possible in order to provide as strong a carrier 10 as possible. The slot 24 extends a substantial (i.e., well over half) portion of the width of the carrier 10, the weight placed in the supports 14, 16 must be carried by the portion of the carrier between the slot ends 25 and the sides of the carrier saddle panels 18, 118. A shorter slot 24 thus allows a greater length between the ends 25 of the slot and the sides of the carrier panels 18, 118 in which the slot is formed. The length of slot ends 25 are short, about 2-5 times the width of the slot end 25.

[0056] The handle 16 has an elongated opening 82 to accommodate a user's hand. Preferably, the length of intervening slot portion 27 is the length of the opening 82, plus about an additional ⅛ inch on either side of the opening 82. The overall length of the slot 24 is sufficient to accommodate the handle 16. For the above described slot end 25 about ¼ inch wide, a length of about ½ inch for each slot end 25 is believed suitable, with a length of intervening slot 27 being about 4½ inches. For those dimensions, the distance between the slot ends 25 and the adjacent side of the carrier 10 is about one inch. These dimensions will vary depending on the material used, the thickness of the material used, the weight to be held by carrier 10, and other factors.

[0057] The slot ends 25 are shown with square corners. Preferably, but optionally, the corners are slightly rounded to avoid stress concentrations that may make it easier for the material forming the carrier 10 to tear or separate. The slot 24 is shown with generally parallel sides along its entire length. In an alternative embodiment, the slot 24 may be made wider at the midpoint of its length and then taper toward ends 25, as shown in FIG. 3. In a further variation, the slot ends 25 may comprise slits 25 extending for a distance X, as shown in FIG. 4. The slit centers the carrier 10 on the handle in the X direction. Furthermore, the slit provides a high frictional engaging force between the saddle 12 and the handle. But the slit is more likely to tear a carrier 10 made of paper-based material, and is thus not preferred when that material is used. If a slit is used, the end of the slit preferably abuts or is adjacent to the edges of the handle in order to center the middle portion 27 of slot 24 with the projecting portion 13 of the handle 13.

[0058] The first support 14 has many features in common with the second support 114, and similar parts will be described only briefly using one set of numbers, with the other support having the same construction except the numbers are increased by 100. The first and second supports 14, 114 extend laterally from the plane of the handle 16, which for convenience of illustration will be considered to be a vertical plane. The sides of supports 14, 114, are generally inclined at an angle toward the ground as they will bend during use when beverages are placed in the carrier 10.

[0059] The first support 14 has an upper panel 26 and an opposing bottom or lower panel 28 separated by two side panels 30, 32 with distal edges 36 a, 36 b, 38 a, 38 b defining the edges lines of the side panel 30, 32 and further defining distal edges of the upper and lower panels 36, 38, respectively. The upper and lower panels 26, 28 and the two side panels 30, 32 form a box-like structure with open ends. First beverage openings 40, 44 and second beverage opening 42, 46 are formed in the upper and lower panels 26, 28, respectively. Each pair of openings 40, 44, and 42, 46 in opposing panels 26, 28 are aligned so a cup will be held by relative movement or misalignment of the openings.

[0060] The second support 114 has an upper panel 126 and an opposing bottom or lower panel 128 separated by two side panels 130, 132 with distal edges 136 a, 136 b, 138 a, 138 b defining the edges lines of the side panel 130, 132 and further defining distal edges of the upper and lower panels 136, 138, respectively. The upper and lower panels 126, 128 and the two side panels 130, 132 form a box-like structure with open ends. A third beverage opening 140, 144 and fourth beverage opening 142, 146 are formed in the upper and lower panels 126, 128.

[0061] Preferably, the supports 14, 114 are of generally similar construction and symmetrical relative to the fold line 22. The supports 14, 114 preferably have a hollow, box-like construction formed by an upper panel 26, 126 and an opposing lower panel 28, 128. The panels 26, 126, 28, 128 will be generally inclined to the ground during use, but the angle will vary, and it is possible there will be no inclination. The panels 26, 126 and 28, 128 are separated by opposing side panels 30, 130 that are generally parallel to a second side panel 32, 132. The four side panels 30, 32, 26, 28 form first support 14 having a quadrilateral shape and forming support 14. The side panel 32 of the first support 14 shares a fold line with a first glue flap 34 of the first support 14 that is fastened to the interior of the upper panel 26, preferably by gluing, to form the quadrilateral support 14. The second side panel 132 of the second support 114 shares a fold line with a second glue flap 134 of the second support 114 that is fastened to the interior of the upper panel 126, preferably by gluing, to form the quadrilateral support 114.

[0062] Outer or exterior side panel 30 is bounded by edges 36 a, 36 b at the top and bottom, respectively, of the panel 30. Inside or interior side panel 32 is bounded by inside edges 38 a, 38 b, at the top and bottom, respectively, of the panel 32. Advantageously, but optionally, the side edges 36 a, 36 b, 38 a, 38 b, 136 a, 136 b, 138 a, 138 b are parallel. Preferably, the distance between side edges 36 a, 36 b and 38 a, 38 b and 136 a are the same to define a support 14, 114 having a generally rectangular cross section, which cross-section may be come skewed during use.

[0063] The first and second support 14, 114 each have two beverage openings 40, 42, 44, 46, 140, 142, 144, 146. The upper panel first beverage openings 40, 42, 140, 142 are preferably round, which includes oval or elliptical shapes. More preferably a circular opening is provided for holding beverage containers such as the typical cups of soda or beer, although the shape could vary to accommodate beverage containers of various shape. The size of the upper panel beverage openings 40, 42, 140, 142 are further preferably selected to accommodate the particular size of the beverage container used by the food-serving establishment using carrier 10, such as 12 ounce, 14 ounce, or 24 ounce containers. For many beverage containers, an opening about 2⅞ inches diameter is suitable. Advantageously, the openings 40, 42, 140, 142 are preferably elliptical, with the major axes aligned, and with the openings in the upper supports or panels slightly larger than the openings in the lower supports or panels.

[0064] When a beverage is placed in the beverage opening, the beverage container is preferably held in place by the periphery of the upper panel beverage opening 40, 42, 140, 142. The beverage container wedges between the upper panel beverage openings 40, 42, 140, 142 and the lower panel beverage opening 44, 46, 144, 146 to provide a secure holder for the beverage containers.

[0065] The beverage openings 40, 42, 44, 46, 140, 142, 144, 146 are preferably placed as close to the saddle 12 as practical while still allowing easy insertion and removal of the beverage container from the beverage openings 40, 42, 44, 46, 140, 142, 144, 146.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 5, the carrier 10 is advantageously formed out of a blank 1180, such as paper stock, corrugated, plastic, synthetic material, or combination thereof. Preferably, the carrier 10 is formed from paper board stock, coated on the outboard side to be as water resistant as possible, and with a thickness that is preferably not less than 0.018 caliber (about {fraction (1/64)} of an inch) and which is preferably about 0.024 caliber ({fraction (1/32)} inch thick) or thicker, in order to adequately support the weight of four beverages. The thickness of the material will preferably range from about 0.0118 inch to about 0.024 inch in thickness for the more common uses of carrying common combinations of beverages, such as small and extra large sodas. The carrier 10 may be manufactured from paperboard commonly known in the trade as SBS paper (i.e., solid bleached sulfate paper) or it may be made from recycled paper. In general, thicker paperboard or other material will be used as the weight of the contents that the carrier 10 is expected to carry is increased.

[0067] Advantageously, the carrier 10 can be formed from a single sheet of material that is scored, perforated, cut, or combination thereof. There are various ways to form the carrier 10, one advantageous way uses 12 panels (34, 32, 38, 30, 26, 18, 118, 126, 130, 138, 132, and 134) and eleven generally parallel fold lines (39, 232, 36 b, 36 a, 238, 22, 138 a, 136 a, 136 b, 138 b, 139) as seen primarily in FIG. 5.

[0068] The first panel 34 defines the first glue flap 34 and is defined by a free edge of the strip of material and first fold line 39, along which the first glue flap 34 folds during assembly to form a first support 14, as discussed below. The second panel 32 defines a side panel 32 and is bounded by fold lines 39 and 38 b. The third panel 28 defines a lower panel 28 having two lower beverage openings 44, 46. The third panel 28 is bounded by fold lines 38 b and 36 b. The fourth panel 30 defines a first side panel 30 and is bounded by fold lines 36 b and 36 a. The fifth panel 26 defines an upper panel 26 and has two beverage openings 40, 42. The fifth panel 26 is bounded by fold lines 36 a and 38 a.

[0069] The first five panels (34, 32, 28, 30 and 26) make a first support 14 when folded along the fold lines for use. Preferably, but optionally, the first five panels are coated with adhesive as indicated by the lined area 41 in panel 34 so it can be glued to the interior panel of the upper panel 26. Other fastening mechanisms can be used, such as staples, rivets etc., or adhesive can be placed on the mating panel. The beverage openings (40, 44 and 42, 46) are vertically aligned during assembly of the blank to form a carrier. As such, when beverage containers are placed in the beverage openings 40, 42, 44, 46 of the upper panel 26 and the lower panel 38, the side panels 30, 32 are generally perpendicular to the ground during use of the carrier 10.

[0070] The sixth panel 18 and the seventh panel 118 collectively define the saddle 12. The sixth panel 18 is bounded by the fold lines 38 a and 22. Fold line 22 is additionally shared by the seventh panel 118. The seventh panel 118 is bounded by fold line 22 and 138 a. The sixth fold line is the apex 22. The saddle 12 has a slot 24 for receiving a handle. The configuration of the slot 24 can be formed on the saddle 12, as described above.

[0071] The eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth panel (118, 126, 130, 128, 132, and 134) collectively form the second support 114. The second support 114, as described above, is generally symmetrical in structure compared to the first support 14. Generally, the beverage openings 40, 42, 44, 46, 140, 142, 144, 146 of the first and second support 14, 114 are formed such that the center of gravity of the carrier 10 is under the midpoint of the saddle 12. Different sizes, shapes, and orientations of beverage openings can be formed on the first support 14 and the second support 114 as needed by the user's circumstances.

[0072] As desired, printed indicia and/or promotional cards or promotional items are placed on the second panel 32, fourth panel 30, sixth panel 18, seventh panel 118, ninth panel 130, and eleventh panel 132.

[0073] The saddle 12 preferably contains various types of indicia, preferably promotional and advertising indicia. Further, the upper support panels 26, 126 can carry such promotional indicia on those portions around the openings 40, 42, 140, 142. The side panels 30, 32, 130, 132 can also carry such indicia.

[0074] Still further, the side panels 30, 32, 130, 132, and the saddle 12 can be cut, perforated or combinations of each, to define one or more promotional cards 60. The promotional card 60 is advantageously, but optionally, perforated or slit around at least a portion of its periphery to make it easier to remove the card from the side panel 30, 32, 130, 132, supports 14 or 114, and the promotional area is large enough to allow removal while allowing the carrier 10 to function as a beverage carrier. A typical promotional card 60 is about the same size as a credit card, which is about 3.25 inches by 1.875 inches (8 cm by 4.8 cm). But the shape of the promotional card 60 can vary. These promotional cards 60 can be used to make phone cards, limited credit cards, discount cards, etc.

[0075] When promotional cards 60 are formed on the side panels 30, 32, 130, 132, the distance between hinge lines 36 a, 36 b, and 38 a, 38 b and 136 a, 136 b and 138 a, 138 b are preferably selected to be the width of the desired promotional card 60 so the hinge lines define an edge of the promotional cards 60. It is advantageous to have the hinge lines 36 a, 36 b and 38 a, 38 b and 136 a, 136 b and 138 a, 138 b define the long side of a rectangular promotional card 60 as shown in the Figures. In this configuration, the edge of the promotional cards 60 between hinge lines 36 a, 36 b and 38 a, 38 b and 136 a, 136 b and 138 a, 138 b can be slit, with perforations along the hinge lines 36 a, 36 b, and 136 a, 136 b allowing for easy removal of the promotional cards 60. Moreover, a thumb tab(s) 62 can be located to extend from the middle of each promotional card 60, with the thumbs tab 62 providing gripping panels to help pull the promotional cards 60 off of the carrier 10.

[0076] When promotional cards 60 are formed on the saddle 12, the cards may be placed in any orientation on the saddle 12. Preferably, an edge of the promotional card 60 can share an edge of the saddle 12. As such, to detach a promotional card 60, the user needs to either cut three sides of the promotional card 60 or detach the perforation that makes up three sides of the promotional card 60.

[0077] Preferably, but optionally, at least one, and preferably a plurality of thumb tabs 62 extend from the side panels 30, 32, 130, 132 along a line extending from the upper to the lower panels 26, 28, 126, 128. More preferably, the thumb tabs 62 are integrally formed with the side panel 30, 32, 130, 132. The thumb tabs 62 serve to dislodge promotional cards 60 from the carrier 10.

[0078] If promotional cards 60 are not placed on the side panels 30, 32, 130, 132 or the saddle 12, the thumb tabs 62 may be omitted.

[0079] If desired, a collectable image, such as that of a car or famous person can be placed on one or more of the second, fourth, sixth, seventh, ninth, and eleventh panel 1184, 1188, 212, 214, 218, 222 so the user of the carrier 10 takes the carrier 10 home to cut out and save the collectable image. Various promotional uses of the promotional space on the saddle 12 can be devised, with printed indicia and removable cards 62 being placed on any combination of those panels.

[0080] Alternatively, the advertising display area on the saddle 12 could contain a flat promotional item removably attached to the saddle, as for example, having a CD held by slits in the panel, or a plastic bag containing a promotional item stapled, glued or otherwise fastened to the saddle 12. Such promotional items are preferably flat, and preferably thin, so the carrier 10 can be folded flat for storage and shipping.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 2c, for example, instead of having the support 14, 114 formed by fastening end flap 34, 134 to the interior of top panel 26, 126, respectively (FIG. 2a), one or both of the end flaps 34, 134 can be extended in length and folded to abut the interior side of saddle side panels 18, 118. By fastening the edges of panels 18, 118 to the abutting edges of elongated end flap 34, 134 a pocket can be formed between the adjoining panels 18, 34, and 118, 134. The panels can be fastened by glue, staples, ultrasonic welding, material deformation, tape, rivets, and other fastening methods.

[0082] Preferably, a promotional item 252 (FIG. 10) as described above is inserted into this pocket, preferably during the manufacture of the carrier 10. Still more preferably, the flat promotional item 252 is placed in a thin envelop or sheath and the sheath is then fastened to one of the panels forming the pocket, such as panels 18, 118 or extended end flap 34, 134.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 10, it is advantageous, but optional, to make a portion of the promotional item 252 visible to users. Thus, an opening 254 can be formed in at least one of the saddle panels 18, 118 to expose part, or all of the promotional item 252, which is shown for illustration as a mini-CD. The promotional item 252 is preferably, but optionally, contained in protective cover 256. The protective cover 256 can entirely conceal view of the promotional item 252. But the protective cover 256 is preferably wholly or at least partially transparent so a user can see the promotional item through the opening 254 and sheath 256. A plastic sheath is believed suitable. The protective cover 256 fastened to at least one panel 18, 118, 34, 134 using one of the fastening methods described above, in order to avoid damaging the promotional item 252. Preferably, but optionally, instructions are placed on the carrier 10 directing the user to take the carrier home to remove the promotional item. If the opening 254 does not show the entire promotional item 252, then the user cannot see how the promotional item is fastened into the carrier 10, and may assume it is so securely fastened that removal should not be attempted until the carrier 10 and promotional item are taken home. Directional text can be placed at various locations on carrier 10, but are preferably placed adjacent edge 38 a, 138 a on either the top 26, 126, or the saddle panel 18, 118.

[0084] The opening 254 is preferably smaller than the promotional item. The small opening 254 and/or the fastening of the cover 256 to the panels 18, 118, 34, 134 preferably prevent removing the promotional item without destroying or significantly compromising the strength or usefulness of carrier 10. It is desirable to inhibit removal of promotional item until the user has taken the carrier 10 home. The promotional items 252, especially if flat, may be thrown by a user so it is desirable to inhibit their removal from carrier 10 until the user is home. Further, encouraging the user to take the carrier 10 home to remove the promotional item gives the user a longer length of exposure to promotional materials placed on the carrier 10.

[0085] The opening 254 can take various shapes and forms. There may be perforated or cut and partially perforated fold lines 258 allowing portions 260 of saddle panels 18, 118 to be folded back to form part or all of opening 254 in order to expose part or all of the promotional item 252. Alternatively, there may be a fixed sized opening or openings 254 allowing viewing of some or all of promotional item 252.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 12a-12 b, various exemplary shapes for opening(s) 254 are shown. The opening(s) 254 can advantageously be selected to correspond to the event at which the carrier 10 is used. Thus, if used at a baseball game, the opening 254 can resemble all or part of a baseball. In the illustration of FIG. 12a, an image of a baseball is placed on the saddle panel 18, 118 and portions of the baseball defined by seams are cut out to form openings 254 showing the promotional item 252 through protective covering 256 (not marked) Alternatively, a round shape for the baseball could be cut out of panel 18, 118 to allow viewing of the promotional item.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 12b, if the carrier 10 is used at a basketball game, the opening 254 can resemble all or part of a basketball. In the illustration of FIG. 12b, an image of a basketball is placed on the saddle panel 18, 118 and portions of the basketball defined by seams of the basketball are cut out to form openings 254 showing the promotional item 252 through protective covering 256 (not marked). Alternatively, a round shape for the basketball could be cut out of panel 18, 118 to allow viewing of the promotional item.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 12c, if the carrier 10 is used at a soccer game, the opening 254 can resemble all or part of a soccer ball. In the illustration of FIG. 12c, an image of a soccer ball is placed on the saddle panel 18, 118 and portions of the soccer ball defined by seams of the soccer ball are cut out to form openings 254 showing the promotional item 252 through protective covering 256 (not marked). Alternatively, a round shape for the soccer ball could be cut out of panel 18, 118 to allow viewing of the promotional item.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 12d, if the carrier 10 is used at a football game, the opening 254 can resemble all or part of a basketball. In the illustration of FIG. 12d, an image of a football is cut out of the saddle panel 18, 118 with the football image being smaller than the promotional item 252 to show the promotional item 252 through protective covering 256 (not marked). The seams of the football could be used as described above.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 12e, if the carrier 10 is used at a hockey game, the opening 254 can resemble all or part of a hockey puck or hockey stick. In the illustration of FIG. 12e, an image of a hockey stick is cut out of the saddle panel 18, 118 with the image being smaller than the promotional item 252 to show the promotional item 252 through protective covering 256 (not marked).

[0091] Referring to FIG. 12f, if the carrier 10 is used at an event that has a mascot, identifying symbol, image or trademark, that mascot, symbol, image or trademark can be placed on the saddle panel 18, 118, with all or part of the mascot, symbol, image or trademark being cut out to show the promotional item 252 through protective covering 256 (not marked). An image of a mask is used to illustrate this. With portions of the promotional item being viewed through openings 254 in the image (mask). If the image were a car, openings 254 could coincide with windows on the car to allow viewing of all or part of the promotional item. Various images representative of or associated with various sports, events and activities can be used, with all or part of the image cut out to allow viewing of the promotional item through the image or portion thereof. Perforated hinge lines 258 can be further formed on portions of the image in order to allow selectable viewing of the promotional item 252 through the opening 254 formed by the portions 260 that are hinged along the hinge lines.

[0092] The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention, including various ways of locating the promotional indicia, promotional cards, promotional items 252, openings 254, etc. Thus, the invention is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments but is to be defined by the following claims when read in the broadest reasonable manner to preserve the validity of the claims. 

I claim:
 1. A carrier for beverage containers that fits like a saddle over a base having a handle, comprising: a sheet having an opposing first and second saddle panel joined along a foldable hinge line; a first series of panels fastened to the first sheet and forming a first support having upper and lower panels connected by an end panel, at least one beverage opening being formed in the upper and lower panels of the first support and aligned to receive a beverage container during use of the carrier; a second series of panels fastened to the second sheet and forming a second support having upper and lower panels connected by an end panel, at least one beverage opening being formed in the upper and lower panels of the second support and aligned to receive a beverage container during use of the carrier; and a slot extending along a major length of the hinge line and having opposing ends, the slot having a narrower width at the opposing ends of the slot and a wider width along an intermediate portion between the ends of the slot, the slot having a length sized to receive the handle during use of the carrier.
 2. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the ends of the slot have a width about the same as a thickness of the handle at the location of the ends of the slot during use.
 3. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the ends of the slot have a width slightly smaller than a thickness of the handle at the location of the ends of the slot during use.
 4. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the ends of the slot have a first substantially uniform width that extends for a predetermined distance along the length of the slot and wherein the intermediate portion has a second substantially uniform width.
 5. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the ends of the slot have a first substantially uniform width about the same as a thickness of the handle that is inserted through the ends of the slot during use of the carrier and wherein the ends of the slot extend for a predetermined distance along the length of the slot and wherein the intermediate portion has a second substantially uniform width.
 6. The carrier of claim 4, wherein the handle comprises a planar handle having a width and a thickness and further having an opening of a predetermined length and height to allow a user to insert a hand through the opening in the handle during use of the handle, the carrier further comprising: the intermediate portion of the slot extending for a predetermined length that is slightly longer than the length of the opening in the handle, and with the ends of the slots located relative to the intermediate portion to align the intermediate portion with the opening during use of the carrier.
 7. The carrier of claim 5, wherein the handle comprises a planar handle having a width and a thickness and further having an opening of a predetermined length and height to allow a user to insert a hand through the opening in the handle during use of the handle, the carrier further comprising: the intermediate portion of the slot extending for a predetermined length that is slightly longer than the length of the opening in the handle, and with the ends of the slots located relative to the intermediate portion to align the intermediate portion with the opening during use of the carrier.
 8. The carrier of claim 6, wherein the intermediate slot has a width that is about twice the height of the opening in the handle.
 9. The carrier of claim 7, wherein the intermediate slot has a width that is less than twice the height of the opening in the handle.
 10. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the opening in the upper panel is larger than the opening in the lower panel.
 11. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the saddle panels bear printed promotional indicia.
 12. The carrier of claim 5, wherein the saddle panels bear printed promotional indicia.
 13. The carrier of claim 7, wherein the saddle panels bear printed promotional indicia.
 14. The carrier of claim 1, in combination with a base having a planar handle with a substantially uniform width and thickness, the handle having an opening of a predetermined length and height to allow insertion of a user's fingers through the opening during use of handle, the intermediate portion of the slot extending for a predetermined length that is slightly longer than the length of the opening in the handle, and with the ends of the slots located relative to the intermediate portion to align the intermediate portion with the opening when the handle passes through the slot.
 15. The carrier of claim 4, in combination with a base having a planar handle with a substantially uniform width and thickness, the handle having an opening of a predetermined length and height to allow insertion of a user's fingers through the opening during use of handle, the intermediate portion of the slot extending for a predetermined length that is slightly longer than the length of the opening in the handle, and with the ends of the slots located relative to the intermediate portion to align the intermediate portion with the opening when the handle passes through the slot.
 16. The carrier of claim 1, wherein at least one of the end panels has at least one promotional card which is perforated around a periphery of the card to make the card detachable, the card containing printed promotional indicia thereon.
 17. The carrier of claim 16, wherein the promotional card further comprise a thumb tab to facilitate removal of the promotional card.
 18. The carrier of claim 4, wherein the carrier made of paperboard and is collapsible to a generally folded configuration.
 19. A carrier for use with a base having a handle of predetermined width and thickness, the handle having an opening with a predetermined length generally parallel to the base and having a height generally perpendicular to the base and through which a user's fingers can extend to hold the handle, the carrier comprising: a first saddle panel connected to a first support having a first opening therein and located on a first side of the base, and a second saddle panel having a second support having a second opening therein and located on an opposing, second side of the base, the saddle panels being joined to each other along a foldable hinge line, the carrier having a slot extending along a length of the hinge line to receive the handle during use of the carrier, the slot having a length sufficient to allow passage of the handle through the slot without damaging the carrier, the slot having at least a first width at opposing ends of the slot selected to position the handle relative to the slot and carrier, and a second width located intermediate the first widths and selected to allow unimpeded passage of the handle through the second slot.
 20. The carrier of claim 19, wherein the second width is about twice the height of the opening in the handle.
 21. The carrier of claim 19, wherein the first width is about the thickness of the handle.
 22. The carrier of claim 21, wherein the second width is about twice the height of the opening in the handle.
 23. The carrier of claim 19, wherein the ends of the slot comprise slits.
 24. The carrier of claim 21, wherein the second slot has a length slightly greater than the length of the opening in the handle.
 25. The carrier of claim 24, wherein the first and second slots each have a substantially uniform width along their respective lengths and wherein there are only two slots.
 26. The carrier of claim 25, further comprising a promotional card removably fastened to the carrier.
 27. The carrier of claim 25, further comprising a promotional card removably fastened to at least one of the supports.
 28. The carrier of claim 26, further comprising a thumb tab extending from the promotional card to facilitate removal of the promotional card.
 29. A carrier for use with a base having a base having a handle of predetermined width and thickness, the handle having an opening with a predetermined length generally parallel to the base and having a height generally perpendicular to the base through which a user's fingers can extend to hold the handle, comprising: a first saddle panel having a first support with a first beverage opening therein and located on a first side of the base, and a second saddle panel with a second support having a second beverage opening therein and located on an opposing, second side of the base, the saddle panels being joined to each other along a foldable hinge line, the carrier having a slot extending along a length of the hinge line to receive the handle during use of the carrier, the slot comprising means for positioning the carrier relative to the handle during use of the carrier, and for allowing unimpeded placement of the carrier on the handle and removal of the carrier from the handle.
 30. The carrier of claim 28, further comprising means for removably placing promotional indicia on at least one of the supports. 